Chapter 2 Not My Best Friend

Brynlee's Pov

I knocked on Vanessa's front door only for it to open immediately as if she's been standing there waiting for me.

" I thought we'd meet at Jay's Restaurant " She had this shock expression on her face. My eyes went to the towel tied on her head while she was on a pink pyjamas.

" Can I at least come in?

She nodded and stepped back for me to enter. She shut the door and followed me to the living room where I sat.

" Okay Bryn, why did you come now?

I covered my face with my palms.." I don't Nessa. I'm just not in the right state of mind.

Vanessa pulled my arm" Come let me take you to my room. My parents are around. " she said in a hushed tone.

I stood up and went upstairs eith her. When I was in her bathroom, she sat me down on her bed and took my hand

" Take your time and spill..

Then I took a deep breath and told her everything.

" Are you joking? That Hot guy?

" Who else" I shrugged " I just don't want to be around him because, it's like I don't exist to him.

Vanessa sighed. " I know that feeling. Hold on, let me bathe then we go have lots of fun. Your mind would be cleared by then..

So I sat there and busied myself with games on my phone until she got dressed in a pink crop top and skinny jeans. She's always been a lover of pink. Her bathroom was a barbie Paradise and it was a huge contrast to mine which was black and grey. After pulling her hair in a slick back, she grabbed her purse from the dressing table and slung it on her shoulders

"Shall we?

I stood up and smoothed my dress. I don't usually wear dresses but I decided to look girly today.

As we descended the stairs, I could hear voice of Ms. Flora, Vanessa's mum humming to a loud jazz song. She came out of the kitchen, wearing a sports bra and tights. I've always believed this woman doesn't want to age because she dresses just like a teenager, even tying her hair up in a ponytail.

" Good afternoon Ms Flora " I waved.

She touched my cheeks affectionately.

" Where are you girls heading to?

" We are hanging out at Jay's

She nodded and didn't say any word. She's such an I don't give a fuck mother, as long as you're back before curfew there was no problem. But my mum would interrogate me like a criminal.

When we were outside the house about to enter her car, we caught sight of Vanessa's 16-year-old brother, Dennis making out with a razz looking girl around his age, behind a flower bush.

She clenched her fist and was about to go towards him, but I held her back..

" Leave him be, he's just a teenager.

She huffed and entered her car " When I get home, he has lots of explaining to do.

I laughed as I turned around to the other side. As she drove out of the compound, she talked about her overly Romantic life with her new talking stage, she met online. I'm not jealous of her, but I'm trying hard not to. She's had several boyfriends I mean, everyone liked her. She's pretty and hot. But I don't know if I was assuming the nonsense, because she never asked about me, or my love life. Everything is about her and I guess I truly don't have any best friend. Vanessa is just a childhood friend, nothing else.

" We went on a date last Friday to the movies and we had our first kiss "

My stomach twisted into knots. My ears burned as I heard her talk.

" When are you enrolling in college?" She turned to me and changed the topic, as she noticed I wasn't engaging.

" I don't want to go to college.

Vanessa was already in College in her second year..it's holiday so that's why she's staying with her family.

I don't have plans for college because I have a different dream that I only shared with my family.

" But why?'

I shrugged " It's my personal choice. It's just not for me.

" So what do you intend to do?

I repeated that question to myself in my head. Ice hockey played over and over in my mind. Vanessa knows I play ice hockey and even went for competitions in highschool but she never really knew my plan..

I had applied for a tournament where I'd be exposed to other rising hockey stars and newbies. My family knew and they supported it because that's my dream

" I've not decided any yet.

Vanessa rolled her eyes as she took a left turn before she stopped in front of the restaurant.

" There's makeup, hairstyling, cooking..

I shook my head" I'm not interested. I just love ice hockey

She shrugged" it's your life either way. I just don't want you to have no plan if this hockey thingy doesn't work out"

" Since you're advising me, you got any plans for your life.

She scoffed" Why are you suddenly asking about my plans?

I frowned at her "Because you're asking about mine?

She laughed awkwardly " I'm figuring out my life though.

That was what she said before stepping out of her car, so did I, feeling drained. I already regretted calling her to meet up, because she hardly initiates hangouts.

When we entered the restaurant, we both ordered burger, fries and a can of soda.

I ate in silence as she talked to her boyfriend on the phone. I felt so stupid as I sat there eating my food like I came solo. She was so concentrated on the call that she didn't realize I was quiet and I just lost my appetite. Then I got up, paid for my meal and left without looking back.

Tears filled my eyes for no reason, maybe it's because of everything piled up together. My life, my application, my low self esteem..

I didn't even bother to take a bus, I just let my legs carry me back home, luckily I won't get lost because I was good at navigating.

Just tell me you don't like me, Vanessa.. just tell me" I muttered.